Hello Summer Rose
Nice to see you again.
You are absolutely right in saying those who have not been directly impacted by the fires are also upset on behalf of others. To listen to and read about the devastation feels as though there is a huge tsunami of grief washing over us.
I agree we are in the midst of mental health crisis. Working with the practical and obvious problems is usually place for politicians, charities and community groups to start. What do people need, how can we comfort them, what practical help can we provide? The emotional and mental health difficulties can easily be pushed into the background and in some ways this is logical. However I see no reason why psychological help cannot be provided from the start. I hear the pollies say things like finding the extent of the problem. Well obviously, but there is an immediate need for for counselling and no matter how large the problem is discovered to be, emotional support is really a no-brainer. If ten people are affected or ten thousand is really beside the point. Everyone is needy.
What can we do? Well depending on where you live you may be able to help with the practical efforts and perhaps through this can talk with those who come for help. If you are like me and do not live near a bushfire area I think we can talk to pollies and perhaps help with fund raising.
Just a couple of ideas.
Mary
